The Cosmic Cushion™ meditation cushion is very popular with
meditators at all levels. When customers call us and have questions
about meditation cushions, I invariably point them in the direction of
the
Cosmic Cushion and Zabuton meditation cushion set.
Whether you are new to meditation or you've been meditating for a few
or for several years, anyone who has tried this cushion has absolutely
loved it.

We are currently shipping out several of these cushions each day.
What was once an unknown, uncommon cushion has become one of the most
popular designs. We receive feedback regularly from our customers and
here is why they prefer the Cosmic Cushion over the traditional round
Zafu meditation cushion.

At first glance there are some distinct differences about the shape
of this cushion. The first thing you will notice is that it has a
fortune cookie or crescent moon shape. This shape comes from two main
features about the cushion. One is that it has a cut out area that
allows the feet to rest comfortably in front of you without interference
from the cushion. Second is that the cushion has side extensions. These
extensions go under the upper thigh and create a more supportive area.
With the traditional Zafu, the upper legs are just left to hang over the
edge of the cushion. This can create a kind of lever working against
the hip joint.

The second thing you will notice is the downward slope of the Cosmic
Cushion. This is a key element in the design of the cushion. The correct
way to sit on a traditional round Zafu meditation cushion is to sit on
only the front half of the cushion. This helps to raise the hips above
the knees, but, again, gives no support to the upper thigh. With the
Cosmic Cushion, however, one sits all the way on top of the cushion. The
built-in slope creates the same posture as a Zafu meditation cushion,
but offers complete support under the buttocks and upper thighs. When
paired with the Zabuton meditation (the large rectangular mat), support
is given to the lower legs, and the ankles and feet.

These features of the Cosmic Cushion, again, get the knees level with
or lower than the hips in a very comfortable way. This creates the
ideal posture for sitting meditation. When the knees are higher than the
hips, this causes the lower back to round outward and promotes
slouching. When you slouch during meditation, the muscles of the back
have to do all the work to hold the upper body, shoulders, and head in
an upright position.

The downward slope of the Cosmic Cushion gets the knees down and this
causes the lower back to naturally curve inward. This causes the spine
to assume its natural "S" curve, which gives the best alignment and
support of the spine. The weight of the upper body, shoulders, and head
are naturally supported by the spinal column and the muscles do much
less work. This natural alignment makes sitting meditation much more
easeful.

The Cosmic Cushion meditation cushion is available in 4 sizes. The
Regular Lift is generally suitable for most people. The Low Loft is
suitable for people shorter than 5 feet or for people who have a higher
than average level of flexibility in the hips or hamstrings. The Travel
Size is nearly identical to the Low Loft, but the side extensions are
shorter to make the cushion easier to pack away in your luggage.

Finally, the Oversize Cosmic Cushion is for larger people or for
those who have very limited flexibility in the hips or hamstrings. To
put it gently, we typically recommend the Oversize cushion for people
who are oversized and need a larger support area. But, taller men
sometimes choose this size especially when they have limited
flexibility.